The implants used were 5?mm long, had a diameter of 2.2?mm. After 3?months of healing, the micro-implants with surrounding hard tissue cores were retrieved using a trephine drill. The tissue was processed for ground sectioning. #links# The blocks were cut parallel to the long axis of the implant and reduced to a thickness of about 20?��m and stained in toluidine blue. The percentage of (i) implant